Nutmeg and I walked on the Struble Trail recently and met an elderly man doing his miles with the aid of a walker. He is my new hero, adapting to what life is throwing at him and living it his way.And isn't this everyone's story? Every season of our life we face new situations and we adapt and learn as we go along. I am adapting to the physical changes that accompany getting older, adapting to a life where those I love most live far away, adapting to a life in which my identity and time are not tied to a job or caregiving role. ​

​My latest card deck, Journeying: An Optimistic Guide for Life’s Ups and Downs, is meant to work with the inevitable changes we encounter. Based loosely on Joseph Campbell's TheHeroes Journey, this deck offers the user a universal story of life - one of challenges, obstacles, allies, lessons, and ultimately growth. Each card has an image inviting introspection as we ponder questions like "How does this connect to my life today?" “What can I learn from this universal challenge?” On the reverse side of each card are reminders of one's resilience, courage, and resourcefulness and a question to consider. Like all my work, the cards takes the positive approach to life.There are 36 cards. They are 3.5" x 5 “. The original artwork has a whimsical, mystical quality. The characters, represented by men and women of different ages and race, interact with all sorts of animals. These are front and back of two of the cards:

Playing with the images in this deck resulted in wonderful conversations between me and two of my more senior friends. The images work for them, for me, and also my millennial friends. No matter your age they represent universal life experiences.

The Journeying deck is ideal for all my well-lived, introspective, thought-filled and playful friends and their friends! I hope you'll purchase one - it will deepen your understanding of life's process and maybe lighten the tough times. If you would like to purchase the Journeying deck and/or my first deck, Choosing the Encouraging Life, please email me. Both decks make fun and encouraging holiday gifts!Cost: $14.95 plus shipping

So this is me offering hope and encouragement. I’m not going to lie - it is frequently difficult for me to share myself - we all have vulnerabilities. And yet, I think this is what we are here to do: show up, be ourselves and share our love. I am heartened by the many quiet conversations I’ve been privileged to be part of lately. There is much good being done in the world. It’s not on the nightly news but it is happening. And you, my loyal friends, are part of it. So gather your courage, take a deep breath, and share your love with the world. It’s what we do.Best to you,Judy